Former 2nd round pick gives up on the NHL after just 3 seasons

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Josh Tupper
July 21, 2023 (7:18 PM)

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While some players work their entire lives to make the NHL, Aleksi Heponiemi only had to wait until he was 21 years old to debut. Now just 3 years later the former top prospect has given up on the NHL altogether.

Today it was announced that Heponiemi had signed a deal to play next season in the Swiss League for EHC Biel.

The following was translated from German.

Aleksi Heponiemi is a wonderful, elegant playmaker with a highly developed hockey scythe and good vision of the game. His general "skill level" is well above average and his speed and mobility are remarkable. He has not yet reached the peak of his ability and physically he has not yet been stable enough to be able to stir up the NHL. At least theoretically he fits in perfectly with our league, I'm really looking forward to Aleksi Heponiemi.

Heponiemi, was born in Tampere, Finland. Last season Heponiemi played most of his year with the AHL Charlotte Checkers. He put up 12 goals and 31 assists in 62 games.

Heponiemi, 24, only appeared in 25 NHL games scoring 2 goals and adding 4 assists.

Source: EHC Biel

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POLL
JUILLET 21 \| 50 ANSWERS Former 2nd round pick gives up on the NHL after just 3 seasons Will Heponiemi return to North America?
Yes	6	12 %
No	19	38 %
Depends on if there's interest from NHL teams	21	42 %
See Results	4	8 %
List of polls

Former 2nd round pick gives up on the NHL after just 3 seasons

While some players work their entire lives to make the NHL, Aleksi Heponiemi only had to wait until he was 21 years old to debut. Now just 3 years later the former top prospect has given up on the NHL altogether.

Will Heponiemi return to North America?